Maintaining A Healthy Smile

In the past 6 months alone, I’ve spent more time in a Dentists chair than I think I have my whole life. And it’s only been in the past couple of years that I also added seeing a Dental Hygienist to my routine.

Before we move on, I chose the picture because I liked my smile / laugh; it was one from a collaboration I did with Gousto Recipe Boxes but didn’t get used for the campaign.

Anyway, when I was growing up, going to the dentist was an annual tooth counting appointment. I was lucky; I had no issues beyond once taking some antibiotics when my wisdom teeth were breaking through.

Then during my time in a job that came with health insurance, I took the opportunity to visit a private dentist. It turned out that I needed a simple filling, which, considering I was in my thirties, wasn’t so bad for my first ever filling. That went smoothly and I never needed nor chose to attend a dentist for the next 5 or 6 years.

During the pandemic though, I started to suffer with some discomfort with a tooth and a visit to the dentist confirmed I would need my filling replaced. I was back the next week to get that done, but it didn’t resolve my tooth pain.

Upon further investigation, I was diagnosed with cracked tooth syndrome and it seemed to have been caused by teeth grinding / clenching in my sleep which I hadn’t been aware of. The filling was replaced again, and I’ve just started using a mouth / night guard to help protect my teeth from further damage whilst I let the filling settle to see if I can live with it.

Use An Electric Toothbrush

When I went to the Dental Hygienist for the first time, the two things she suggested that I do to maintain god dental hygiene were to get myself an electric toothbrush, and to start flossing.

Well, the electric toothbrush was easy. She said you don’t have to spend a fortune on one – they all do the same and recommend spending a maximum of £50 so I got this one. With an inbuilt 2 minute timer, it makes sure your teeth get a good clean each morning and evening.

Toothpaste Does Make A Difference

After my filling hiccup, the Hygienist sent me away with a few samples of Sensodyne toothpaste, to see if it would help some of the sensitivity I was experiencing. I do think I noticed a difference to be honest and if something as simple as toothpaste can help support healthy teeth, I’m here for it.

Floss Regularly

Okay, so this is the one I haven’t been so good at. I know, but we can’t all be perfect. The Hygienist did give me a few to use, but they’ve just sat in my bathroom drawers unused.

Research has found that flossing reduces cavities to form between teeth, so you’re reducing your risk of needing dental work by flossing. When an email landed in my inbox about Grin Oral Care – a contemporary oral brand dedicated to changing the face of the industry – I was intrigued.

They’re launching on Boots.co.uk in December 2022 and I’m keen to try out their range which includes:

Grin Fine – this Flosspyx is designed for tight teeth, with a super strong fine floss, to get in between those tight spaces between teeth. This floss comes in a minty flavour for that fresh breath.

Grin Smooth – this Floospyx has been created for a very gentle floss. For users with slightly more sensitive teeth, the floss tape is much gentler. This floss also comes in a minty flavour.

Grin Tongue – designed specifically to clean your tongue by gently removing bacteria, helping to combat bad breath. Comes with 20 disposable hygienic scrapers.

Each of their products are made with recycled plastic and are biodegradable. When I’ve received some samples and tested them, I will come back and update this post.

What You Eat

I first wrote this post way back in 2014 to share an infographic detailing which foods to watch out for and which to use for good teeth health. I even created a juice recipe using some of my favourite ingredients featured under the ‘eat them’ section.

If you have a juicer, definitely try this recipe; it delivers a good shot of vitamin c along with the immune boosting benefits of ginger, so I named it ‘Second Spring’ …a new beginning, ready for the changing season.

Carrots & Ginger

Carrot sticks are a great tooth-friendly, healthy snack. They are packed full of vitamin A, which helps form and maintain healthy teeth. Plus, their crunchy texture stimulates the gums and acts like a natural toothbrush.

Ginger also has many healthy properties, one of which includes being anti-inflammatory – helping to support healthy mouth tissue.

‘Second Spring’ Carrot & Ginger Juice Recipe

Carrot & Ginger Juice Ingredients

• 3 large carrots
• 1 red apple
• 1/2 inch piece of ginger
• juice of 1/2 lime squeezed in after other ingredients have been juiced

How To Make Your Carrot & Ginger Juice

To make juice simply put ingredients (peel the ginger) through your juicer. Squeeze in lime juice. Use organic ingredients if you can.

I hope this simple tips for health teeth and a healthy smile help to keep you out of the dentists chair!

Got anymore tips to add?

Elle